Reduction and fixation apparatus for calcaneal fracture

ABSTRACT

A calcaneal fracture fixation and reduction apparatus.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to a co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/006,397 filed Apr. 7, 2020 entitled Reduction and Fixation Apparatus for Calcaneal Fracture”, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to an apparatus for reduction and fixation of fractures such as calcaneal fractures.

SUMMARY OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As described herein, preferred embodiments for a calcaneal fracture fixation and reduction apparatus and/or method may include a fixation portion and/or a reduction portion.

The fixation portion may include a lateral wall calcaneal plate, a medial column kickstand attached to the lateral wall calcaneal plate, for obtaining abduction of the medial calcaneal column and a medial column screw capture element, attached to the distal end of the medial column kickstand.

The fixation portion may provide for mechanical linkage between multiple calcaneal fraction fragments, the medial column reduction screw, the medial column kickstand, together with the lateral wall calcaneal plate.

The reduction portion may include a reduction targeter for attaching to the lateral wall calcaneal plate, one or more targeting cannula, for provisional reduction and final screw placement into the multiple calcaneal fraction fragments, a posterior tuberosity targeter, for attaching to the reduction targeter, and a medial column targeting portal.

The medial column targeting portal may be further mechanically aligned with the medial column screw capture, so as to allow for the insertion of the medial column reduction screw into the medial column screw capture.

Other features and advantages will be evident from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional novel features and advantages of the approaches discussed herein are evident from the text that follows and the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a calcaneal bone in coronal cross-section.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of the same coronal cross-section of the calcaneal bone with added features to depict a common fracture pattern through the joint surface.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of a displaced fracture noting the three main components.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of an embodiment of the reduction tool of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of an embodiment including an additional exterior coupling component (ECC) to the reduction tool.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment depicting the insertion of a coupling wire/stabilizing wire

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool

FIG. 8 depicts the reduced/restored anatomy of the calcaneus where the alignment between the constant fragment, the posterior facet fragment, and the posterior facet fragment are anatomically realigned.

FIG. 9 depicts the restored anatomy between the constant fragment, the posterior facet fragment, and the posterior tuberosity component.

FIG. 10 depicts multiple bones in sagittal cross section including: the distal tibia, the talus and the calcaneus depicted in multiple fragments.

FIG. 11 depicts the orthogonal view to FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 provides additional detail of the anchoring wire placed through an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool.

FIG. 13 depicts the restored anatomy of the calcaneus with the aid of an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool

FIG. 14 depicts the insertion of an embodiment of the threaded distraction wire through the an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool.

FIG. 15 depicts the placement of an embodiment of the distraction bolt/nut.

FIG. 16 depicts the distraction capability of an embodiment of the reduction tool.

FIG. 17 is a depiction of a calcaneal bone and talus bone in coronal cross-section.

FIG. 18 is a depiction of the same coronal cross section of the talus and calcaneal bone with added features to depict a common fracture pattern through the joint surface.

FIG. 19 is a depiction of the same fracture with displacement.

FIG. 20 demonstrates the same displaced fracture with the traditional reduction tools and reduction vectors/maneuvers depicted.

FIG. 21 demonstrates an embodiment of a reduction fixation implant for a calcaneal fracture.

FIG. 22 demonstrates an embodiment of the assembled reduction handle/targeter.

FIG. 23 demonstrates the reduced calcaneal fracture with anatomically reoriented fracture fragments.

FIG. 24 demonstrates the reduced calcaneal fracture with anatomically reoriented fracture fragments.

FIG. 25 demonstrates the exchange of fixation screws for previously inserted reduction wires, in the current embodiment.

FIG. 26 demonstrates final reduction of the fracture fragments and assembly of the plate screw construct.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a calcaneal bone in coronal cross-section. Reference number 1A-100 indicates the outline of the bone through a portion anatomically described as the posterior facet/middle facet. Note this is only one depiction of the bone via a cross-sectional cut in the coronal plane.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of the same coronal cross-section of the calcaneal bone with added features to depict a common fracture pattern through the joint surface. The three main components of the fracture 2A-10 are depicted as the constant fragment/CF, 2A-20 the posterior facet/PF, and the 2A-30 the posterior tuberosity/PT.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of a displaced fracture noting the three main components labeled as follows: 3A-10 the constant fragment, 3A-20 the posterior facet fragment, and 3A-30 the posterior tuberosity fragment of the fracture pattern.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of an embodiment of the reduction tool of the present disclosure. The cannulated-threaded reduction tool component 4A-50 is inserted into the posterior tuberosity, 4A-30. The portion of the threaded reduction tool 4A-50 which protrudes outside the bone, 4A-30 is shown as 4A-40. The geometry of 4A-40 has multiple embodiments but is designed to accommodate additional exterior coupling component (ECC) which will be described and depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of an embodiment including an additional exterior coupling component (ECC) to the reduction tool. The coupling takes place between the cannulated-threaded component of the tool, 5A-50 at the hexagonally depicted interface, 5A-40. The component space to allow for coupling is depicted as 5A-75. The exterior coupling component (ECC) comprised of 5A-60, 5A-70, 5A-80 and 5A-90 is designed to telescope over 5A 40 and has concomitantly matching the geometry to provide for coupling and rotational stability, in this embodiment. The hexagonally depicted interface, 5A-40 is elongated to protrude through 5A-60 to exit at 5A-70. The protruding arm of the exterior coupling component (ECC), 5A-80, is depicted to lie outside of the bone and skin of the posterior tuberosity, 5A-30. A coupling wire/stabilizing wire sleeve is depicted as 5A-90.

FIG. 6 is an example embodiment depicting the insertion of a coupling wire/stabilizing wire 6A-105 through a coupling wire/stabilizing wire sleeve 6A-90. The wire is inserted through the bone of the posterior facet depicted as 6A-30 to lie at a perpendicular orientation to the cannulated-threaded reduction component 6A-50, in this embodiment. The interface is shown as 6A-110. The embodiment depicting in FIG. 6 now demonstrates the coupling taking place between the cannulated-threaded reduction component 6A-50 and the hexagonal component of the outrigger depicted as 6A-60. Note that these two components, 6A-50 and 6A-60 are registered and locked into position now functioning as one unit. The combination of 6A-90, 6A-80, 6A-60, and 6A-50 collectively comprise this embodiment of the reduction too (also depicted in FIG. 7 as 7A-100).

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool 7A-100 and coupling wire/stabilizing wire 7A-105 seated within the posterior facet, 7A-30. Reduction maneuvers that are performed are now capable due to the capturing of the posterior facet, 7A-30. These maneuvers include medialization of the posterior facet, 7A-30 through the Vector 7A-130. Additionally, Varus angulation is corrected through the vector depicted as 7A-120. Finally, appropriate calcaneal height is restored via distraction depicted through the Vector 7A-140.

FIG. 8 depicts the reduced/restored anatomy of the calcaneus where the alignment between the constant fragment, 8A-10, the posterior facet fragment, 8A-20 and the posterior facet fragment, 8A 30 are now anatomically realigned. An embodiment of the assembled reduction tool 8A-100 and coupling wire/stabilizing wire 8A-105 are also shown.

FIG. 9 depicts the restored anatomy between the constant fragment, 9A-10, the posterior facet fragment, 9A-20 and the posterior tuberosity component, 9A-30. An embodiment of the threaded anchoring/distraction wire 9A-140 can now be inserted through the threaded-cannulated portion (9A-50) of the reduction tool 9A-100, as well as a hexagonal outrigger 9A-60, into or around the CF fracture fragment 9A-10, in some embodiments. Additional orthogonal drawings will follow to further provide detail to the components of the reduction tool, is some embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts the multiple bones in sagittal cross section including: the distal tibia (10A-180), the talus (10A-170) and the calcaneus depicted in multiple fragments. This drawing is now done in perpendicular to previous FIG. 1, proving a sagittal view of the bones. Additional detailed components of the calcaneal fracture include the posterior tuberosity fragment (10A-10), the constant fragment (10A-20), the posterior facet fragment (10A-30) as well as additional fragments of the fracture now seen including the plantar cortex (10A-150) and the anterior process (10A-160).

FIG. 11 depicts the orthogonal view to FIG. 4. This embodiment of the assembled reduction tool (11A-100) resides in the posterior tuberosity 11A-10 to provide for the reduction maneuvers, depicted as Vectors 11A-130, 11A-120 and 11A-140.

FIG. 12 provides additional detail of the anchoring wire 12A-105 placed through an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool (12A-100) and inserted in a 90-degree orientation to the threaded cannulated reduction (12A-50) screw component of the assembled reduction tool (12A-100).

FIG. 13 depicts the restored anatomy of the calcaneus with the aid of an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool (13A-100). The restored articular anatomy is depicted as 13A-20 with other components of the fracture drawn as the posterior tuberosity, 13A-10, the plantar cortex, 13A-150 as well as the anterior process, 13A-160.

FIG. 14 depicts the insertion of an embodiment of the threaded distraction wire, 14A-140, through an embodiment of the assembled reduction tool (14A-100) anchoring into the posterior portion of the talus at interface 14A-145.

FIG. 15 depicts the placement of an embodiment of the distraction bolt/nut 15A-150. The nut is threaded to provide for advancement over the threaded distraction wire, 15A-140, as it couples to the component 15A-60 of the reduction tool 15A-100.

FIG. 16 depicts the distraction capability of an embodiment of the reduction tool (16A-100). The coupling of the distraction bolt/nut, 16A-150, to the outrigger, 16A-60, provides for the advancement of the distraction wire, 16A-140, with the rotation of the nut/bold 16A-150. The space produced is depicted as distraction at the interface drawn as 16A-160. This distraction induces a potential space to be produced to provide for restoration of the calcaneal anatomy. Of note, the coupling of the distraction bolt/nut, 16A-150, to the outrigger 16A-60, occurs to provide for free rotation of the nut/bolt, 16A-150, allowing for the movement of the threaded distraction wire, 16A-40.

FIG. 17 is a depiction of a calcaneal bone and talus bone in coronal cross-section. Reference numeral 1C-10 indicates the talus, where 1C-20 indicates of the calcaneus. Note, this is only one depiction of the bone via a coronal cross section.

FIG. 18 depicts of the same coronal cross section of the talus and calcaneal bone with added features to depict a common fracture pattern through the joint surface. The three main components of the fracture are labeled as 2C-30 the constant fragment, 2C-40 the posterior facet fracture fragment, and 2C-50 the posterior tuberosity fracture fragment.

FIG. 19 is a depiction of the same fracture now with displacement. The three main components of the fracture are labeled as 2C-30 the constant fragment, 2C-40 the posterior facet fracture fragment, 3C-50 the posterior tuberosity fracture fragment. Additionally, displacement of the fracture is now depicted with the call out 3C-60.

FIG. 20 now demonstrates the same displaced fracture depicted in FIG. 19 with the traditional reduction tools and reduction vectors/maneuvers depicted. The threaded Schantz pin 4C-90 is inserted into the poster tuberosity component of the fracture 4C-50. The Schantz pin is controlled with the use of a T handled chuck shown in combination 4C-70 and 4C-80. With the Schantz pin 4C-90 inserted, reduction vectors/maneuvers are performed to provide for medialization of the posterior tuberosity 4C-50 depicted through arrow vector 4C-120. Additional maneuvers include correction of varus angulation depicted as vector 4C-110 as well as restoration of calcaneal height depicted as vector 4C-100.

FIG. 21 now demonstrates an embodiment of a novel Reduction fixation implant for a calcaneal fracture. Once again, the talus is shown in corona cross section, 5C-10. Additionally, the displaced calcaneal fracture is depicted with fracture fragments 5C-30, 5-40 and 5C-50. 5C-220 indicates the outline of the lateral wall calcaneal plate. Additional features of this plate include the attached medial column kickstand 5C-230 and the medial column screw capture 5C-240. Attached to the lateral wall plate 5C-220 is the reduction handle/targeter 5C-200. Attachment of the reduction handle/targeter to the plate occurs with the use of registration and an anchor bolt 5C-215, in this embodiment. Finally, the superior reduction wire guide of this embodiment is depicted as 5C-210 attaching to the superior portion of the Reduction handle/targeter 5C-200.

FIG. 22 now demonstrates an embodiment of the assembled reduction handle/targeter noting added component 6C-280, medial column and posterior tuberosity wire targeter placed over assembled reduction handle/targeter 6C-200. Posterior tuberosity wire targeter 6C-280 now can accept medial column reduction wire 6C-250 through wire targeting portal 6C-290 and medial column screw capture 6C-240, located at the terminal end of the medial column kickstand 6C-230. With the medial column reduction wire 6C-250 now inserted through medial column wire targeting portal 6C—290, reduction maneuvers can be performed to restore calcaneal anatomy. Reduction vectors/maneuvers are performed to provide for medialization of the posterior tuberosity 6C-50 depicted through arrow vector 6-120. Additional maneuvers include correction of varus angulation depicted as vector 6C-110 as well as restoration of calcaneal height depicted as vector 6C-100.

FIG. 23 now demonstrates the reduced calcaneal fracture with anatomically reoriented fracture fragments 7C-30, 7C-40 and 7C-50, utilizing embodiments. The medial column reduction wire 7C-250 is now advanced into the constant fragment-portion of the fracture 7C-30 to maintain the fracture reduction and resist varus angulation.

FIG. 24 demonstrates the reduced calcaneal fracture with anatomically reoriented fracture fragments 8C-30, 8C-40 and 8C-50, associated with embodiments. The reduction between fracture fragment 8C-30 and fracture fragment 8C-50 is once again maintained through the medial column reduction wire 8C-250. The anatomically reduced fracture is additionally secured with multiple reduction wires, in this depicted embodiment. Starting at the superior border of the lateral wall calcaneal plate 8C-220 is the articular reduction wire 8C-320 that is placed through the lateral wall calcaneal plate 8C-220. Inferior to the articular reduction wire 8C-320 is the crucial angle reduction wire 8C-310 inserted through both the superior reduction wire guide 8C-210 and the lateral wall calcaneal plate 8C-220, in this embodiment. Finally, the inferior posterior tuberosity reduction wire 8C-300 is inserted through the posterior tuberosity reduction wire guide 8C-260 and the lateral while calcaneal plate 8C-220 at interface 8C-310.

FIG. 25 now demonstrates the exchange of fixation screws for previously inserted reduction wires, in the current embodiment. These screws can either be solid core or cannulated. Medial column reduction screw 9C-330 has been placed through medial column wire targeting portal 9C-290 and medial column screw capture 9C-240. Articular reduction screw 9C-360 has been placed through the lateral wall calcaneal plate 9C-220 to secure the articular reduction between fracture fragments 9C-40 and 9C-30. Crucial angle reduction screw in 9C dash 350 has been inserted through superior reduction wire guide 9C-210 and lateral wall calcaneal plate 9C-220. This screw affords the opportunity to capture and maintain alignment through all three fracture fragments 9C-30, 9C-40 and 9C-50. Final screw placement his depicted as posterior tuberosity screw 9C-340 inserted through the posterior tuberosity reduction wire guide 9C-260 and the lateral while calcaneal plate 9C-220.

FIG. 26 demonstrates a final reduction of the fracture fragments and final assembly of the plate screw construct associated with this embodiment. Fracture fragments 10C-30, 10C-40 and 10C-50 are anatomically reoriented below talus 10C-10. The plate 10C-220 and the adjoining medial column kickstand 10C-230 are secured to the fracture with the use of the following screws: Medial column reduction screw 10C-330, Articular reduction screw 10C-360, Crucial angle reduction screw 10C-350, Posterior tuberosity reduction screw 10C-340, and optional supplemental fixation screw 10C-370.

The above description has particularly shown and described example embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the legal scope of this patent as encompassed by the appended claims. 

1. A calcaneal fracture reduction apparatus comprising: a reduction portion comprising: a reduction targeter for attaching to the lateral wall calcaneal plate; a plurality of targeting cannula, for provisional reduction and final screw placement into the multiple calcaneal fraction fragments; a posterior tuberosity targeter, for attaching to the reduction targeter, and a medial column targeting portal; wherein the medial column targeting portal is mechanically aligned with the medial column screw capture, so as to allow for the insertion of the medial column reduction screw into the medial column screw capture.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising: a fixation portion comprising: a lateral wall calcaneal plate; a medial column kickstand attached to the lateral wall calcaneal plate, for providing abduction of the medial calcaneal column; a medial column screw capture, attached to the distal end of the medial column kickstand, for providing linkage between the medial column kickstand and a medial column reduction screw; and wherein the fixation portion provides mechanical linkage between one or more calcaneal fraction fragments, the medial column reduction screw, the medial column kickstand, together with the lateral wall calcaneal plate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the medial column targeting portal further provides for insertion of one or more of an articular reduction screw, crucial angle reduction screw, posterior tuberosity reduction screw, or supplemental fixation screw.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the screws are solid core or cannulated.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: a medial column reduction wire for providing reduction between one or more of the calcaneal fracture fragments.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 additionally wherein the medial column reduction wire is disposed within the posterior tuberosity targeter.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the medial column reduction wire is positioned with respect to the wire targeting portal and the medial column screw capture, adjacent a terminal end of the medial column kickstand.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: an anchoring wire inserted in a 90-degree orientation to the medial column reduction screw. 